Low Carbing for One

I have many people tell me that they have a problem eating healthy or losing weight because they HATE cooking for one person.

When you go from feeding a family of 4 or more depending on which kids friends are staying for dinner and then just cooking for 2 or maybe even just 1.  It can get a little frustrating and it's just easier to pop a frozen dinner in the microwave instead of cooking and messing up the kitchen with dirty dishes.

I know, because I used to say the same thing.  I get tired of just having a salad for lunch so I started creating my own single serving meals.

I'll buy larger quantities of meat at the grocery store and then freeze them into single serving portions. This is what I came up with for my lunch today.  It was very delicious, but something David wouldn't eat because he doesn't like anything "white".

Easy Chicken Alfredo

Serves 1:  Calories 187 Carbs 10

Ingredients:
3-4 oz Tyson boneless skinless chicken breast strips (they are very thin)
1/2 c Classic Alfredo Sauce
1/8 c sliced mushroom
2-3 leaves of fresh basil cut into julienne strips
Italian seasoning - I'm not very good at measuring spices, so it's just a few dashes
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 head of small cauliflower

Directions;
Steam the cauliflower
While the cauliflower is steaming, get you skillet hot and spray it with a little Pam spray.  Place your chicken strips in the pan and season them with the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.  Once the chicken is no longer pink, throw in the mushrooms and basil and cook until basil is wilted and mushrooms are hot.
Heat the alfredo sauce in the microwave.

Assemble:
Drain the cauliflower and cut it into bite size pieces, place in a bowl or on a plate.  Lay the chicken, mushrooms and basil over the cauliflower and top with alfredo sauce.  I had a few mushroom stragglers still in the pan, so I used them as garnish.

Delicious!

For more great recipes, visit my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/teresa.copelandharmon or join my Healthy Choices weight loss support group for healthy recipes https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthy.choices.WLS/

Interested in learning more about Skinny Fiber click here www.bringinhealthyback.com

Portion Distortion

Are you working really hard trying to lose some excess weight and nothing seems to be happening?  You've cut out the sugary drinks, you're making healthy choices, and you've given up all you're favorite fast foods.  Why are the pounds hanging on?

It sounds like you're doing everything right. Right??

We have become so used to eating huge portions.  Restaurants servings are enough for 2 people and sometimes 3.  We were raised to clean our plates, and 20 years ago that was okay because portions were much smaller.

Let me ask a few questions:
1.  Are you measuring your food?
2.  Are you weighing your food?
3.  Do you track your calories? carbs?  (Myfitnesspal is a great app to use for tracking your food)

Sometimes we think we are doing everything we possibly can to lose weight but it just isn't happening.

I can remember wondering this same thing.  How many salads do I have to eat to lose a pound???

Well, it depends on what you're putting on your salad and how big is your salad?  You can eat a big salad of fresh greens, cucumbers, broccoli, green peppers, cauliflower, radishes, carrots and tomato.  But you've got to watch the dressings, cheese, meats, croutons, etc.  Did you know some salads have 2000 calories?  eeek... That's more than my daily caloric intake should be.

One of the easiest ways to help control portions is to use a smaller plate.  When you use a 8" plate or salad plate.  You feel like you're eating a lot because you're eyes see a plate full of food and then your brain is okay with the smaller portions.

Eat slower and listen to your body.  At that first inkling that you are feeling satisfied (not full) stop eating.  You don't have to clean your plate!

Size it Right!  Are you following this guideline?  If not, you need to start.

Don't suffer from portion distortion... Once you size it right, the weight will start falling off!

Are you Overwhelmed?

I just got off the phone with my cousin Judi and during our conversation I started thinking about something that I wanted to share with you.

How many times have you seen a picture of yourself and said "I've got to do something about my weight."?  At that moment you are all in.  You're determined to lose the extra pounds.  But as you start thinking about it the realization of losing the weight becomes overwhelming.

When I began my journey a year and a half ago, the thought of needing to lose almost 100 pounds was a bit overwhelming.  All I could think about was how long is that going to take?  I knew I had to change the way I was thinking because it was a road map to failure.  So, instead of focusing on the BIG number, I decided to focus on one day at a time.  In the morning before getting out of bed I would give myself a little pep talk and discuss how the day was going to go, what I was going to eat, how I was going to move my body.  When I got in bed at night, I gave myself a mental pat on the back.  I made it through the day, I did good! Pretty soon, a couple of days had gone by, then a week, then a month and before I knew it, 19 months have passed and I'm still focusing on one day at a time.

I'm not saying I've been perfect, by all means, I've had my screw ups for sure.  There have been nights that I've crawled in bed and I've had to have a long talk with myself about what happened and what I'm going to do to get back on track.  What I've learned is this.  As long as I start out the morning positive and with a plan, I will succeed for that day.  I will do my best and that's all I can ask for.

Another thing is you've got to be committed.  If not, you'll always be starting tomorrow.  "I'll do it tomorrow;  I don't feel like it today, I'll do it tomorrow; I heard about a new diet but I'll start tomorrow; We are going out for dinner tonight, so I'll do it tomorrow."  Tomorrow never comes.  These are just excuses because the thought of what is in store is too overwhelming.  Pretty soon a few days have gone by, then a week, then a month and before you know it, 19 months have passed and you are still where you were when you saw that picture of yourself and promised you were going to do something about your weight.

What if I had said "I'll start tomorrow" ?  I wouldn't be almost 60 pounds lighter.  I wouldn't be wearing size 8 jeans.  (Which by the way, today I'm wearing a new pair of size 8 capri pants and I've had several compliments on them.)  I would still be suffering from IBS, acid reflux, esophigitis, high blood pressure.  My body would still hurt, my knees would probably be crippled.

You can't dwell on how much or how long it will take you to reach your goal.  Just think about today. Work on today and then work on tomorrow.  But you have to start with Today!

If you are ready, committed and focused, you'll be telling me your story, before you know it.

Stay strong!

Teresa's DietBet Journey

I would like to invite anyone interested in losing a few pounds to join me on a fun 4 week journey!  I have started my own game in the Dietbet world.  

 

You are probably wondering what the heck I'm talking about aren't you?  DietBet.com is a website that allows individuals to set up their own games.  Get your friends, family or anyone to join you.  Everyone puts in the same amount of money for the bet.  In the case of my game it's $25.00.  You are betting on yourself to lose 4% of your starting weight in 4 weeks.  The great thing about this challenge is everyone can win.  The players who complete the challenge and lose 4% of their starting weight, will split the pot.  So you will at least get your money back and possibly more.  If you prefer, you can donate your winnings to charity.  You can use any food program that you like, some use Atkins, WW, low calorie, whatever feels good to you.  Personally, I love the 17 Day Diet.  The 17 Day Diet is a book by Dr. Mike Moreno.  It is available in hardback or ebook.  Check out Amazon or Barnes and Noble for your copy.

Teresa's DietBet game actually started on March 23rd, (yesterday) so there is still plenty of time for you to get signed up and join us in the fun.  You can share your days with other players in the game or not.  But, from personal experience talking about my accomplishments, victories and struggles have helped me to continue on my weight loss journey.  Click here to check it out. Teresa's DietBet

I also want to share something else with you.  The company that I work for, Skinny Body Care is offering an AMAZING challenge.  This challenge begins on April 1, 2015.  This is for existing customers, distributors, and new customers.  The WorldWide 90 Day Challenge!!  Three people will win an amazing prize.  An all expense paid trip to Miami, FL  a day of pampering and a complete makeover AND get to be a TV star on the new Health and Wellness Network!  If you are already a customer, just click the link above and sign up.  If you are new to the Skinny Fiber product and ready to make a purchase click here first... New to Skinny Fiber

Even if you're not interested in the challenge or Skinny Fiber or the DietBet.  Take just a couple of minutes and click the link for WorldWide 90 day Challenge and watch the 2 minute video.  I'm featured in the video.  It's very exciting for me.  I'm definitely a product of the product.  

When I first started taking Skinny Fiber it was August 26, 2013.  I was considered morbidly obese at 207 lbs on a small 5' frame.  I was very unhealthy and it didn't matter what kind of diet on was on I couldn't stick with it for very long at all.  Yes, I'd lose a few pounds and get frustrated and quit and gain it all back.  When I found Skinny Fiber, I was desperate.  I made my first purchase praying it would help me, but in the back of my mind, feeling like it was a complete scam.  The bright side was they said there was an empty bottle money back guarantee.  So I clicked the button and placed my order.

That was the best purchase I've ever made.  This is not a miracle or magic pill.  So, don't think that's what I'm saying.  It is a tool.  It is a 100% all natural tool.  There are no stimulants, you will not feel anxious, jittery or have heart palpitations like "diet pills" or some other products out there that will help you lose weight.   Skinny Fiber has helped me stick with a healthy eating plan.  Within just the first few days, I no longer craved ice cream at night, I no longer craved salty carb ridden chips and I quit drinking diet soda cold turkey. (I was drinking 5 32oz fountain drinks per day.)  I could go on and on and on about this product and the health benefits I've received.  In a word...Amazing!

Now, back to the DietBet.  Please join us, like I said you can use any diet plan your prefer.  It's fun, it keeps you accountable and you can win some money.  Now, who doesn't like winning money??  I hope to see some new faces join the game.

When I grow up...

For as long as I can remember I've felt like I didn't really know what I was supposed to do in life.  When I was in high school all my friends were making plans for college, they had dreams and goals.  Not me... My sister knew that she wanted to be a dental hygienist for as long as I can remember.

Graduation day came and I remember my mom telling me I had to get a job, go to college or move out.  So I went to college with no idea where I was going and quickly found out I was going no where.  I hated the classes and path I'd chosen.  Next I signed up for Beauty College, that lasted about 9 weeks and I realized it just wasn't for me.  I decided to try the job route...minimum wage, working at an electric/plumbing supply store as the counter girl wasn't my dream job.  It was an 8 hour day of sexual harassment.  Back to college I went.  I decided I'd get a AA in secretarial science.  I excelled in typing, 10-key, computers etc and quickly found a job when I got out of school.  I worked for CITGO Petroleum for 16 years until Y2K took my job away.  I can't say that being an Administrative Assistant was my dream job, but I loved my CITGO family and it was really hard to say good-bye.

From there I ended up as a Staffing Supervisor for a temp service, helping people find jobs.  This was something that I really enjoyed.  Helping people and when they were excited about the path their life was taking it made me so happy.  Not all of the job was sunshine and roses believe me.  There's a lot of babysitting involved.  Hunting the people down who didn't show up for work, firing the ones that just didn't work out, but it was all worth the few that would come back months later and tell me they were so happy and how much I'd changed their lives.  Sadly, due to reorganization of the company, my position was eliminated after 10 years.

With the job market at an all time low in September 2009, jobs were few and far between.  So with my families blessing, I opened my own business.  A yarn shop.  It was so much fun.  I loved teaching people how to knit, helping them with projects, seeing them start out with 2 needles and some yarn and end up with a beautiful sweater or pair of socks.  It seemed to fill a hole in me.  I had found my calling.  It was just helping people.  Whether it was helping them find a job or knit a sweater, the act of helping was what I craved.

That is why when the opportunity to work for Skinny Body Care was presented to me, I went in full blown, guns blazing.  Just sharing this product and what it has done for me and my friends has absolutely changed my life.  When a customer sends me a message telling me that they've never felt better, or they've lost 10 lbs this month.  It gives me that feeling that I've been looking for since I was a kid.  I want to help anyone that will listen to me.  If you're ready for some help, I'm here for you.  Send me a friend request on facebook and I'll answer any questions you have.  https://www.facebook.com/teresa.copelandharmon

I'd like to invite you to join my weight loss support group on facebook Healthy Choices & More.  This is a closed, private, FREE group that will welcome you with open arms.  You do NOT have to purchase Skinny Fiber to be a member of the group.  These are people who are trying to get healthy, that's it.  Some are Weight Watchers, some do low carb and yes some do take Skinny Fiber.  We all have struggles and it's great to bounce ideas off each other.  We all have victories to celebrate and we want to celebrate those with you!

My confession, but I'm back!

I know I've left you guys hanging for several months.  I've thought about writing several times, but I would end up staring at the blank page on the screen and NOTHING would come to me.

I decided once again to give it a try and I think I finally have something to say.

I truly think the reason I've been awol is because I felt embarrassed.  Yes, I think that's it.  During the summer and fall of last year, I was so gung-ho on my jogging.  I was excited and I had finally found something that I enjoyed doing and it was good for me.  Then I signed up for the 5K race.  If you remember, I was scared to do it, scared to sign up, scared that I would look like I didn't know what I was doing, scared that I would be last, scared that I wouldn't finish, scared that I would fall, you name it I was scared of it.  After the race, I let you know that it was the worst experience and I would never do it again.  I wanted to go back to the beginning, continue jogging in my neighborhood, no pressure, no people, just me and the morning breeze.

I haven't jogged much since that day of the 5K.  I would head out for my 3 mile jog, but something would trigger an anxious feeling at about the 2 mile mark and I'd go back home.  Telling myself that it was okay and I'd do 3 miles tomorrow.  Then the weather started getting colder and that was a good excuse not to go out at all.  Instead I would jog around my living room or walk with Leslie on DVD.

The reason I'm embarrassed is because I was telling you what to do, and how to do it.  Like I was a know-it-all.  To be honest inspiring you was motivating me I really wanted to prove to all of you and myself that I was good at this, and then I just quit.  Yes, I'm a quitter, always have been.  That's why I weighed 216 pounds at my highest point.  I have never ever told anyone that. For some reason 207 lbs seemed so much better.   I remember stepping on the scale that morning and seeing that number.  I literally gagged and thought I was going to vomit.  You've got to also understand that I'm only 5' tall and while I'm being honest, I might not even be that tall anymore.  4'11 1/2" might actually be closer.  For the last 20 years I have been a professional dieter.  Diet, lose, quit, gain, repeat.  I was dieting myself to death.   But I had to do something, I was 100 lbs overweight.  I can remember getting with 13 pounds of my goal weight years and years ago and then quitting.  I blamed in on everything I could think of, but I truly believe I was afraid of succeeding.  Afraid of maintaining a goal...That's a lot of pressure for a fat girl to handle.   It was like a little movie playing in my head.  All the congratulations, the big finish, all the WW reps high fiving me and then proving to everyone that I couldn't "really" do it, it must have been a fluke.  Quit now before all the bells and whistles go off.  I didn't want to be embarrassed.  I didn't want to be the girl that couldn't do it.  So I didn't do it.  I quit!!

I don't want to be the quitter anymore.  I think the reason I've been able to lose weight this time is because I don't feel like I'm on a diet.  I'm really not doing anything different so there isn't anything to quit.  Yes, I could quit taking my Skinny Fiber, but why in the world would I do that?  I've never felt better.  The one thing that I was never able to conquer the other times I'd lost weight was the health issues.  Even getting so close to my goal weight with Weight Watchers, I still had acid reflux, I still had IBS, I still had high blood pressure.  So many times I've heard if you just lose weigh you wouldn't have those problems.  Well, I don't anymore. Yesterday, I went to the Dr.  My blood pressure was 122/81.  During my days with WWs, my blood pressure was hovering at 164/94 and that was on medicine.   I truly believe that the ingredients in Skinny Fiber have not only helped me conquer my health issues, these ingredients have also helped me battle cravings for carbs and sweets.  Like I said, I'm not going to quit this time, because it doesn't "feel" like I'm being deprived, I'm not forcing myself to do something that I really don't want to do.  I want to be healthy.  I want to feel good.  I want to SUCCEED!!!

I hope you all stick with me.  I love talking and telling stories, I could do it all day long.  So if you want to join me on this journey, I'd love to have you.  Leave me your comments, let me know that you're watching or reading.  You are my motivation, you're what I need to succeed.

This is my latest picture update.  Taken a few weeks ago.  If you'd like to know more about this amazing product, just click the link.  Skinny Fiber

Holiday Parties, Food and Stress, Oh my!

The holidays are upon us and with the holidays, we have parties, we have lots and lots of food and of course we have the stress.  Planning get-togethers, family coming into town, buying gifts, running out of time etc.  What does it mean?  To me it means not having enough time to plan for myself.  Healthy meals and workouts get put aside while everything else takes center stage. 

Well, that used to be my thoughts.  Until I found an amazing product called Skinny Fiber!  I talk about it all the time, I share it with everyone I meet, so if you've read my blog or follow me on facebook, you probably know about Skinny Fiber.  My question to you...

Is today the day to place your Skinny Fiber order?

Many of my friends and family tell me that they don't want to think about dieting during the holidays.  "There's so much good food. I want to be able to eat what I want without feeling guilty."   When I hear this, I immediately picture my uncle, after a big Thanksgiving meal, on the couch, pants unbuttoned, pretending to watch a football game, but so stuffed from a food overdose that he can't keep his eyes open.  Does that really sound like a good time?

Once I've scratched that visual away from my mind, this is my response...

Skinny Fiber is NOT a diet pill.  It is a weight loss supplement.  You don't deprive yourself.  You don't DIET!  You eat regular food.  You don't have to eat "special" food.  There's no need to make your family "their" food and turn around and make "your" food.  I do encourage everyone to make healthy choices for the entire family.  But that doesn't mean cutting out entire food groups from the meal plans.

Skinny Fiber is plant based, no caffeine and no stimulants.  Skinny Fiber will allow you to eat all the things you normally eat during the holidays, just less of it!    I tell everyone listen to your body.  Don't stuff yourself.  

One of the great things about Skinny Fiber is that it curbs your cravings for carbs and sweets.  Yes, I still eat desserts and I still eat carbs.   You do have to drink LOTS of water and take two capsules twice a day, every day.  You MUST be consistent!  But you don't have to give up everything you love about the holidays!  Last year I lost 4 pounds during the holidays using Skinny Fiber!  Did I eat holiday food?  YES!  Did I gorge myself?  NO!

Documented research tells us that people gain approximately 5-15 pounds during the holidays.  Why would you want to gain more weight knowing that your New Years Resolution will be to "go on a diet!"  Skip the diet resolution this year.  Get on board with Skinny Fiber, start losing weight now and still enjoy those holiday treats?  You will just want less of them.  

Choose today to make a change in your health and your life.  You don't have to wait until after the holidays. www.teresaharmon.sbc90.com